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Saturday, December 31, 2011

NEW YRS EYE *2011* MAKEUP


Face: Covergirl & Olay Tone Rehab Foundation Classic Tan 160
Cheeks: Stila Illuminating Powder Bronze & MAC Blush Ombre Vintage Grape
Eyes: Avon Mega Impact Liner Black, Sephora Glitter Liner Gold, & Covergirl Lash Blast 24HR Very Black
Lips: Chapstick

Wednesday, December 28, 2011

MAC Daphne Guinness & Tour De Fabulous Haul


Vintage Grape Blush Ombre (Daphne Guinness) $23 & Style Packed Lipglass (Tour De Fabulous)

Blush Ombre .31oz ($23) compared to standard MAC Blush (my highland honey) .21oz (standard blushes are now $19.50)

(face Covergirl & Olay Tone Rehab Classica Tan 160 foundation, eyes: Covergirl Liquiline Blast Green Glow, Sephora Glitter Eyeliner Gold, Covergirl LashBlast Fusion)
Wearing: Vintage Grape Blush Ombre & Style Packed Lipglass 

The Style Packed Lipglass doesn't feel as sticky as the Viva Glam Gaga Lipglass, which is a plus. It is super pigmented & shiney! I like! A+
Vintage Grape Blush Ombre- I Love how much product you get with this.  This is HUGE.  The colors are gorgeous, and this is unlike any blush I own (which justifies my purchase lol).  Highly recommend for tan to deep skintones but would look nice on lighter skintones as well.  Great Winter blush. I'm impressed. A+






Monday, December 26, 2011

Beauty Besties of *2011*: Part 1 FACE

I can't believe that this is the end of 2011, and it is soon to be 2012! Where do the years go?! This year went really fast for me, but overall it was a good one.


This is Part 1 of my "Beauty Besties of 2011" series, where I show you guys the top products of 2011, in my opinion. I'm breaking everything down in categories, and I'm starting with FACE products (foundations, powders, concealers). 


BEST FULL COVERAGE FOUNDATION:
Revlon Colorstay- This stuff is definitely FULL COVERAGE, and it covers EVERYTHING from acne, to dark spots, hyperpigmentation, scars, red blotches, you name it.  I've tried the Studio Fix Fluid by MAC, and in my opinion, this covers more with less product.  You don't need a lot of this stuff to get full coverage, but with the SFF, you do need to build a few more layers to get the same coverage that you get this the Revlon Colorstay with just 1 or 2 layers.  The good thing about this too is that there are 2 versions available, 1 for combo/oily & 1 for combo/dry skin. 


BEST MEDIUM COVERAGE FOUNDATION:
MAC MatchMaster- This stuff literally does transform to be the perfect color for your skintone (atleast it does for me).  5.0 is the perfect shade for me.  This foundation is supposed to adjust to be your perfect shade, with a demi-matte finish.  This is definitely true medium coverage.  It's not sheer or light, and it's not full coverage either.  This isn't heavy on the skin, which is good, and it does a decent job of covering imperfections.  If you want a demi-matte finish, that looks natural and gives nice, medium coverage (not too much/not too less), this is perfect.  It blends in well.  No annoying foundation lines.  I'd recommend this for normal to dry skin.

BEST LIGHT/SHEER COVERAGE FOUNDATION:
MAKE UP FOREVR Face & Body- This is a fantastic foundation and one of my GO-TO HG foundations.  This completely trumps the MAC version.  They are both sheer, but the MAC is more runny and liquidy.  The MUFE version is more of a gel-like texture.  This blends out really well.  One of the complaints of this foundation is how light of a coverage it is, but that's what I like about it.  I don't usually like a lot of coverage on a daily basis.  I like a natural look, and this is perfect for that.  I would consider this buildable, because with 2 layers it gives decent coverage.  If you set this with a powder, it gives even more coverage.  I usually just go with 1-2 layers of this, and I don't usually set it.  When I do set this, I use MAC's Magically Cool Liquid Powder in Cajun or the Studio Careblend, which has excellent coverage on it's own.  This is very naturally looking, like real skin but only better (more polished & even skintone).  This is also lightweight.  I can't feel this on the skin at all.  This is waterproof too, which is a huge plus, especially in the Summer (& gym friendly!).  I recommend this for ALL skin types. 

MOST NATURALLY LOOKING BASE:
Benefit You Rebel Tinted Moisturizer- I LOVE this stuff for Wintertime.  This looks so natural on the skin.  This is definitely sheer/light coverage, but if you set it with a powder (my FAVs are the MAC Magically Cool Liquid & the Studio Careblend), you get nice, natural coverage for natural yet polished skin.  My skin is dry in the Winter, and this doesn't cake up on my dry areas around my nose, which is a huge plus.  It has aloe in it, which is soothing for the skin, and it's moisturizing without being greasy.  Oily skin may find it a bit too moisturizing though.  In the Summer, my skin was oily, and this was just too much moisture for me.  In the Winter, it's perfect.  Oily skin might find it greasy looking, but I highly recommend for normal/dry skin types.  As I mentioned, this is very sheer coverage, but it evens out skin tone quite well.  With the setting powder, you get really nice natural coverage, which looks like your skin only better.  This is great for foundation beginners, young girls,  or people who don't like to wear foundation, but want light coverage. I'm NC40 in MAC (NC42 in Summer), and the original shade in this is perfect for my skintone and up.  If you're any lighter than me, you need to go with the You Rebel Lite, as this will be MUCH too dark for you. 

BEST POWDER:
MAC Studio Careblend Pressed Powder- This powder has the BEST coverage of any powder that I've ever used.  Even by itself, it covers really well.  Sometimes I just use this alone or over concealer for great added coverage.  I like the pressed formula- less mess & travel friendly for touch ups.  I always keep this in my purse. This is the only item that I've EVER hit pan with, and I would definitely repurchase. This has a natural finish, so if you want a mattifying powder, this isn't for you.  If you want a setting powder that delivers good coverage, without being cakey or powdery, you will love this.  I'm not usually big on powders, because they look too powdery or cakey.  This glides on my dry skin like I dream.  I used this in the end of Summer when my skin was still on the oily side, and I liked it then as well.  Great for all skin types.  *If you use the puff that it comes with, you get more coverage.  It you use a fluffy brush, this works as a nice, light setting powder.*

BEST CONCEALER:
MARK Speedway Do Everything Stick- Best Concealer hands down!  This little .14oz stick looks small, but a little goes a long way!  This will last a long time.  I've had mine for 8 months, and there is still plenty of product left.  I primarily use this a concealer, but it's marketed as an all purpose makeup stick.  It can be used as a foundation or concealer.  I've used it as both.  If you use this as a foundation, you may definitely go through it faster than if you just use it as a concealer.  This covers really well.  It covers everything- blemishes, red splotchy areas, dark circles, dark discolorations.  The little tube is perfect to throw in the smallest bag or even your pocket.  This is creamy but dries down perfectly.  At $8 bucks a pop, you can't beat the price.  Recommend for all skin types!


Saturday, December 24, 2011

FOTN: My Makeup For Christmas Eve Mass

Covergirl & Olay Tone Rehab Foundation *NEW* Shade 160 Classic Tan 
(LOVING this so far)
Cheeks: MAC Mineralize Blush in FLUSH *Semi Precious L.E* & Benefit 10 Bronzer/Highlighter
Eyes: Covergirl Perfect Point Eyeliner & Sephora Brand Glitter Liner Gold, Covergirl LashBlast 24HR Very Black
Lips: Revlon Lip Butter Berry Smoothie

Revlon Lip Butter: Review & Swatches



I have been wanting to try these since I first heard about them on Youtube, watching the rave reviews & read about them on beauty blogs.  My area is just now getting these in stock.  Last Sunday, I went to Target & they had limited stock.  I picked up Tutti Fruitti.  I had originally only wanted Strawberry Shortcake, but they were sold out.  I went back to Target last night, and they still hadn't restocked.  This time they only had about 3 of the Lip Butters left.  I picked up the last Cotton Candy.  Today, I went to Rite Aid to get some last minute Christmas candy, and ofcourse, I had to browse the makeup isles.  I noticed a large display of the Revlon Lip Butters over by the perfumes, with EVERY color in stock!  Definitely felt like Christmas to me.  I picked up Berry Smoothie, Strawberry Shortcake, & Sugar Plum. So far, Berry Smoothie & Sugar Plum are my favorites.  I've gotten quite a few compliments on the Tutti Fruitti that I've been wearing to work daily.  Tutti Fruitti is the MOST pigmented out of the ones that I own.  It's extremely buildable, and it's the most gorgeous wearable orange shade on the lips!  These are worth the hype!

5/5= A+



Tutti Fruitti

Berry Smoothie

Sugar Plum

 Strawberry Shortcake

Cotton Candy


Friday, December 23, 2011

Covergirl & Olay Tone & Rehab Foundation 1st Impressions

Lips: Revlon Lip Butter Cotton Candy

Shade 160 Classic Tan (for reference I'm NC40 in MAC Studio Fix Fluid & NC42 in MAC Mineralize Satin Finish/NW35 in Pro Longwear)

I just purchased this tonight from Target & I had to wipe my current makeup on & apply this as soon as I got home.  This is the only store that I've been able to find this in.  I don't necessarily NEED another foundation, as I have quite a few & I have 3 HGs that I rotate (MUFE Face & Body is my #1, then MAC Mineralize SatinFinish & MAC MatchMaster).  However, I can never resist something new.  I chose this over the new Maybelline Dream Nude Airfoam.  

First Impressions:
This stuff smells really good.  It has a built in primer.  The packaging is nice & sanitary with the pump.  This blends out like a dream- No Pesky Foundation Lines with This Stuff (& as much as I love my MAC Mineralize Satinfinish, I did have one of those lines today when I got to work & had to blend out like crazy with my MARK Speedway Stick.)  My skin is dry right now, as it is Winter.  I get really dry flakes around my nose, and my forehead gets dry.  This stuff did not cling to my dry patches as all.  It applies so smoothly and blended right in. 
So far, I really like how this applies and looks. 
I'm going to have to try it out over the next few days in order to get a full review on this.  Based on first impressions, this stuff is pretty darn good.  
It's very lightweight & moisturizing, and I don't find it greasy at all. 
Recommendations: Normal to Dry Skin & Mature Skin Would Love This.

Cons: Price
This is $13.99 at Target, which is pricy for Covergirl.  However, their Covergirl & Olay line is more expensive than their regular line to begin with.  This isn't quite as expensive as high-end brands though.  You get 1fl oz. Not too expensive, but not as affordable as Covergirl's other foundations. 

Coverage: Light to Medium/ Natural Finish

*After about 2 hrs, I'm still happy with how this looks.  It looks like my skin only better.  It doesn't look like I have foundation on (which is a good thing), but my skin tone is evened out and polished and has a nice glow to it*

Saturday, December 17, 2011

Maybelline Baby Lips Review

Peach Kiss

($2.99 at Target & around the same price at Walmart.  This was $3 & some change at Rite Aid, where I purchased it & got 20% with my Wellness Card)

I've been curious to try these for awhile.  These new lip balm products seems to big the big rage lately.  Revlon has their Lip Butters, that still aren't sold where I live.  I also saw a similar product o the Lip Butters by L'Oreal when I was in Rite Aid.  I had been wanting to try the Baby Lips in Peach Kiss for quite some time, but that shade is ALWAYS sold out at Walmart.  I happened to find it last night at Rite Aid and couldn't beat the price.  I wanted to see what the hype was all about.  

First Impressions: 
I really LOVE this lip balm.  The Peach Kiss shade isn't pigmented at all.  It looks like my natural lip color, only glossier.  This shade does have shimmer to it, while the others do not.  I would like to try the Pink Punch & Cherry Me, as they do look more pigmented from the swatches that I've seen online.  These are VERY moisturizing.  They have a glossy feel, without being sticky.  I find that my Avon Satin Satisfaction lip color, which normal applies splotchy & is drying, applies smoothly when I have the Baby Lips on first.  I also like how this looks alone.  If you have dry lips, like I do in the Winter, pick these up! You will LOVE them. These are very affordable & really do make your lips baby soft. 

A+

MAC Matchmaster Foundation Review *RAVE*

Shade 5.0

I got my hands on this around the time that it first came out.  I got it Brand New in Box in a swap on MUA.  (& to that jerk on youtube who was harassing me calling me poor for using MakeUpAlley & saying only poor people swap on there can kiss it! cause I LOVE MUA.  I can try products & get rid of products that I no longer use & save money in the process!).  My shade is 5.0 (supposed to be comparable to NC40/42, which are my shades in MAC).  5.0 is the perfect shade for me.  I have Pro Longwear in NW35 (NC40 was too dull & 42 was too orange), which is a good shade for me, however, it sometimes looks orange throughout the day.  I also have a hard time getting the Pro Longwear blended out on my dry skin, and I end up with orangey splotches of the foundation in my cheeks (not a good look).  With this foundation, I don't have that problem.  Matchmaster shades are supposed to cater to the neutral undertones, whereas the NC is for Warm & NW is for cool tones.  I have more of a neutral undertone.  Not very warm or very cool, so these neutral toned shades are perfect for me.  If you are NC40/42, I'd highly recommend the 5.0.  

(after 9 hrs of wear) *also wearing Tarte Blushing Bride Cheek Stain*

Recommendations:
I think this is great for normal/dry skin.  I would be able to work on more oily types as well, but you would get a more dewy finish (& be prepared to blot). 
Coverage: MAC Quotes this as having a Moisturizing Demi-Matte finish & I agree.  This is medium coverage in my opinion, though it can be built up, I feel that if you build it up too much it can look cakey or overdone.  I wouldn't say that this is full coverage.  I still think Studio Fix Fluid has more coverage, but I personally wouldn't recommend that because it broke me out immediately. 
*Lasted me all day, but I still feel that the Pro Longwear has a better staying power.*

Grade: A

I would recommend trying this out, even if you've had bad luck with MAC Foundations in the past.  I've also tried the Studio Fix Fluid (Epic Fail), Face & Body (Prefer MUFE's version), Pro Longwear (which is a trusty foundation), & Mineralize Satin Finish (which I REALLY like,especially for special occasions).  My top three are Mineralize Satinfinish (I like the glow it gives & the lighter coverage), MatchMaster (really does feel weightless & has decent coverage), & Pro Longwear coming in 3rd.

You get 1.18 oz & this foundation is $32.50, but I think it's worth it.  I do find that it blends better than the Pro Longwear on dry skin, but I still recommend Pro Longwear for Oily/Combo skin. 

Tuesday, December 13, 2011

FOTD: 12/12/11 ft Tarte Dollface


MUFE Face & Body #34
Cheeks: Tarte Cheekstain Dollface & Amazonian Clay Blush Dollface (layered overtop)
Eyes: Covergirl LineBlast 24HR (black) & Mark Metalliner (Bronze Edge) over it. Covergirl LashBlast 24HR (Very Black)
Lips: Jabot Cosmetics Lipgloss Pink & Mark Lipclick Bare Hug

FOTD 12/8/11 Ft. Covergirl Eye Products


MUFE Face & Body #34 Honey Beige
Cheeks: MAC My Highland Honey Blush
Eyes: Covergirl LineBlast 24HR (*new*) in Black & Covergirl LiquiLine Blast Green Glow (top & bottom) Covergirl LashBlast 24HR Very Black
Lips: Avon Ultra Color Rich 10K Gold Lipstick Red Karat (worn off-- end of the day)

Friday, December 9, 2011

Covergirl LashBlast 24Hr Mascara Review


One Word: AMAZING!

This stuff is fantastic! I wasn't even going to try it out either.  I noticed it when I was leaving the beauty isle at Walmart.  (I went in that store for groceries and was in there for a little over an HOUR! Spent most of my time in the makeup & beauty isle! Ahh!).  It was on a display on the end of one of the isles, along with the LineBlast 24HR Eyeliner and the new Blast Flipstick two sided lipcolor.  I ended up with the mascara and liner.  I didn't need another mascara, beings that I just picked up the L'Oreal Voluminous False Lashes mascara n regular recently and the waterproof that same day (which was my favorite up until I tried this!).  I don't go for non-waterproof mascaras either, but I'm glad I did pick this up.  It's fantastic.  The wand is flexible and rubbery.  It looks similar to the wand on Benefit's They're Real mascara.  The formula is very wet compared to some of the drier mascaras (even compared to the L'Oreal one).  I like that about this.  I like wet mascaras (like this and the original Maybelline Great Lash).  They are easier to layer.  I've also tried the yellow and orange tubes of LashBlast, as well as the Fusion in the purple tube (I like this for length and natural looking lashes).  This trumps them all.  This stuff is dramatic and can be built up.  It also works well on my bottom lashes.  The wand is really good for the bottom lashes and for lengthening and volume.  It's definitely worth trying out, even if you think you've found your "HG" mascara. 

*P.S. The Liner is fantastic as well.  It doesn't budge.  I applied it on my hand and then wipe my fingers over it several times.  No smearing no budging at all.  Super easy to apply and get a nice line too, unlike a lot of the liquid liners I've tried (the Mark Get In Line & Stila Stay All Day, for example).  The Mark didn't smudge, but it's not easy to get a nice line.  The Stila was very messy- hard to get a nice line and smudged like crazy.  This Covergirl liner is a felt tip, like a marker, and super easy to use.  Both the items were under $8, each, which is a steal.  The quality is fantastic.  Covergirl really stepped their game up & impressed me.  Can't wait to try the new lippies. 


Wednesday, December 7, 2011

Walmart Haul 12/7/11

Payday! Went to Walmart to pick up some groceries and had to look at the beauty stuff ofcourse!


I ended up with the L'Oreal Voluminous False Lashes Fiber Mascara in Waterproof this time (Very Black).  I love the original so much, but non-waterproof just wasn't working out for me.  
I got the Covergirl Liquline Blast in Green Glow.  It's awesome.  It is hard to remove...doesn't budge at all, which is a good thing.  It seems like it will last all day.  Worked well on my waterline.  (I have the purple shade too.)
The Lineblast 24 Hour (new!) Liner in Black, which I'm loving.  It makes it easy to make a precise line.  It's felt-tip.  (Not smudgy or messy like the Stila Liquid Liner)
I also got the Covergirl Lash Blast 24 Hour Mascara in Very Black.  This TRUMPS the Original and the Lash Blast Fusion (which i LOVE!).  This makes my lashes so long and dramatic and definitely adds volume too.  Glad I picked this up.  
I also go a Nicole by OPI Nail Polish (i Love this line!) in "You're An Angel", as well as 2 Bodycology Shower Gels/Bubble Bath (Warm Vanilla Sugar & Coconut Lime) and the Lotion in Warm Vanilla Sugar (dupes of Bath & Body Works. Smells amazing and the same & cheaper.  The Travel Size shower gels are $1.47 and the ones at BBW are $5!  The full size Bodycology items are under $5 too!).  I also got a travel size of the Dove Go Fresh Body Wash in Cucumber & Green Tea (tried the soap before and it was good).  





Tuesday, December 6, 2011

November/December '11 Collective Haul


Avon Ultra Color Rich 10K Gold *limited edition* Lipsticks: Red Karat, Platinum Pink, & Glitzy
Mark Metalliner Bronze Edge, Mark Get In Line Liquid Liner Black
Mark Glow Baby Glow Luxe Petal Luxe Lipgloss
L'Oreal Voluminous False Lashes Mascara
AE Bohemian Rollerball Fragrance
VS Sexy Little Things Noir Tease Body Mist *travel size*



Saturday, December 3, 2011

12/3/11: Leopard Obsession


I've been obsessed with leopard print lately.  I've been searching for a leopard cardigan since LAST Fall/Winter, and I just FINALLY found one.  I got it from Express (40% off Black Friday).  They actually had one last year, but it sold out so fast that I missed it.  (I can't seem to find this one of their website anymore either.)  I happened to score a matching headband with a super cute bow on it from ASOS.com, while I was browsing their accessories.  My black shirt is from Rue 21, and I actually got it 5 years ago for a concert where we needed black and silver.  The back is actually all lace.  I LOVE it. My flare jeans are from ASOS as well, by A Wear, an Irish High Street brand.  Ironically, these are my FAVORITE jeans thus far, and I've been wanting to order these for a while.  I just finally broke down and got them on Black Friday, when ASOS had a 20% off for Black Friday.  They fit better than my jeans from the ASOS brand, and my only regret is that I didn't order these sooner.  (They aren't too pricy to begin with either.  They are about $38 or so originally and still available right now.  They quality is really good, and they resemble designer jeans like 7's and Lucky's.  They only drawback is that they aren't accessible in the US.  ASOS is the only place I've found them so far, and they are UK based.  Another plus to ASOS.com is they always have free shipping and returns, by the way.)  I'm wearing tan clogs from American Eagle, that I have also been wanting for MONTHS and finally scored them for $14.99 during Black Friday weekend!  I'm glad I waited lol. (My pearl earrings are also Express, which I got during Black Friday online for $8 and some change!)



FOTD:

Neutrogena Healthy Skin Enhancer Tinted Moisturizer
Cheeks: Tarte Amazonian Clay Blush Tipsy & Park Ave Princess Mineral Bronzer
Eyes:Urban Decay 24/7 Pencil Bourbon, L'oreal Voluminous False Lashes Mascara
Lips: Nothing

Thursday, December 1, 2011

12/1/11 Leopard Print!


Fashion:
Headband- ASOS Shop!
Yellow Seamless T Shirt- The Limited Shop!
Sweater- Express Shop!

The Headband & Leopard Sweater were both Black Friday (12am!) online purchases that I received in the mail yesterday! It was like Christmas to me.  My clothes from Express, ASOS, & Forever 21 all arrived, along with dress shoes from the Children's Place & an adorable bath time baby doll from Amazon for my daughter.  Awesome deals on everything, scored free shipping, & got cash back shopping through ebates.com.  (Check out ebates! A co-worker told me about it, and it is awesome! You go to the website and sign up.  Then, type in your favorite stores and access them by clicking on the link for them through ebates.com.  That way, you earn a certain percentage of cash back, and you get it back on your paypal account or in a check.  I got cashback from Express.  Sephora has 8% cashback and beauty.com is there, along with Walmart too and a wide variety of other stores.)  My Black Friday shopping experience was awesome cause I did it from my bed between 12am-2am, without having to get up.  I got free shipping and great deals, without standing out in the cold or dealing with long lines, big crowds and rude shoppers.  I have a better time shopping online then in the stores honestly.  I actually find better store online and more unique items.  Yay for online shopping!  Did you all do any Black Friday shopping?  I know a lot of people who go just for the fun of it.  

Makeup:
Face: Neutrogena Healthy Skin Enhancer Tinted Moisturizer (medium to olive)
Cheeks: MAC My Highland Honey Blush (limited edition Holiday '10)
Eyes: Mark Metalliner Bronzer Edge, L'Oreal Voluminous False Lashes Mascara
Lips: Avon Ultra Color Rich 10K White Gold (limited edition Holiday '11) Platinum Pink (those 10k gold lippies are amazing! I have the Red Karat as well, and it's the perfect red.  These have gorgeous silver shimmers and are really moisturizing.  I'm getting the berry and golden color for myself and the brown shade for my mom before they sell out!)  get yours!